[2026] Songs I Want to Try at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
Even in the 2020s, the songs that still enjoy unwavering popularity at karaoke are the kayōkyoku hits that colored the Showa era.
The term “Showa kayō” is well known even among younger generations, partly thanks to the global popularity of city pop and more.
Above all, there are simply so many timeless classics—these are beloved tracks that keep getting sung at karaoke across all ages.
For those of you who are eager to try singing Showa-era kayōkyoku, this article rounds up recommended popular karaoke picks, focusing mainly on hits from the 1970s and 1980s.
Every song is a famous tune you’ve likely heard at least once, so teens and people in their 20s—feel free to use this as inspiration for your karaoke repertoire!
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the ’70s to 2000s that are perfect for livening up karaoke
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- [For People in Their 40s] Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing: 2026 Ranking
- When you can’t decide what to sing at karaoke: Easy-to-sing classic hits from the Showa era
- From Showa-era kayōkyoku to pop: songs that sound cool when you can really sing them
- Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
- [Karaoke] A roundup of songs that are easy for women to sing!
- Timeless classics only! Showa-era hit songs perfect for acoustic sing-alongs
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- Even karaoke beginners can relax! Easy-to-sing songs for men
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Irresistible Tracks [2026]
[2026] Songs I Want to Try Singing at Karaoke! Popular Showa-Era Kayōkyoku Hits (61–70)
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
This song, which can be considered one of Ayumi Nakamura’s signature tracks, has been reworked and covered multiple times by the artist herself.
It has also been covered by many other artists, including Maki Ohguro and Demon Kogure.
Its moderate rhythm and easy-to-follow melody make it popular for karaoke.
You Are the One Who Rings That BellWada Akiko
It was released in 1972 as Akiko Wada’s 11th single.
With lyrics by Yū Aku, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 41st Japan Record Awards.
As one of Akiko Wada’s signature songs, it continues to be loved across generations, and thanks to a key that suits both men and women, it has become a karaoke staple.
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeru
It’s Shigeru Izumiya’s biggest hit.
He also performed it at the 2013 NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, which was his first appearance on the show.
Masaharu Fukuyama once said that he sang this song, “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter,” at his audition, and he has covered it as well.
It’s a classic folk song that has also been covered by Ryoko Moriyama and Akiko Wada.
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, Showa-era kayōkyoku is a treasure trove of masterpieces, and many are still karaoke staples today, so no matter which of the songs introduced this time you choose, you’re sure to liven up the karaoke session! Songs everyone knows can be enjoyed across generations, and we recommend singing them not only at karaoke with people who remember those days well, but also in gatherings with a wide range of ages.